Stairs & Staircases

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a steel alloy with a minimum of 11% chromium content. There are different grades and surface finishes of stainless steel to suit the environment in which it is to be used. It differs from carbon steel by the amount of chromium present. Carbon steel rusts when exposed to air and moisture, whereas stainless steels have sufficient amounts of chromium that a passive film of chromium oxide forms which prevents further surface and internal corrosion.

It is used in a wide range of applications from cookware and cutlery, to surgical instruments, industrial equipment, tankers, jewellery, watches, firearms, appliances and so on. Some famous structures where stainless steel has been incorporated include the flagpole on the Parliament House of Australia in Canberra, the United States Air Force Memorial, and the Gateway Arch of St Louis.

Stainless Steel Balustrades

Stainless steel is a great product to use in your home, whether as balustrades or something else, because it does not stain, corrode or rust. It is very low maintenance, relatively low cost, and there are over 150 grades of stainless steel. It can be steam cleaned or sterilised and does not need painting or any application of surface finishes. In fact, stainless steel has become the most popular balustrade material, whether in the form of vertical balusters, stainless steel wires with stanchions, or stainless steel handrails. Stainless steel can also be combined with other materials, depending on the look you want for your home or business. For example, it could take the form of stainless steel balusters and timber handrails, or stainless steel handrails and glass balustrading.

Stainless steel was in vogue for architecture in the art deco period. The most famous example of this use of stainless steel is the upper portion of the Chrysler Building. Many buildings with stainless steel features installed during this period retain their original appearnace due to the durability of the material.